Bit By a Dog In California: Do I Have A Case?

Thousands of individuals are bit by dogs each year in the United States. The majority of these attacks by dogs do not cause serious injuries, but some do result in time lost wages, medical bills, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. If you have been attacked by a dog in California, you may be entitled to an award of damages from the dog’s owner (or their insurance company) to pay for the costs you incurred as a result of your dog bite injury.

The main legal issue in dog attack lawsuits is proving the owner is liable. In California, you are required to prove fault based on strict liability in dog bite cases. Under California’s strict liability dog bite law, generally any injury the dog causes will be deemed the dog owner’s fault. As with other laws, there are a few exceptions. The dog owner may not be liable if the victim trespassed upon property where the attack occurred.

There are two key elements which must be satisfied in order to prove a dog’s owner is liable for the actions of the dog:

The defendant was the owner of the dog that attacked.

The dog bit causing injury.

If you have been bit by a dog in California and have suffered serious injury, you need legal counsel that is familiar with California’s dog bite laws and is experienced in litigating such matters. The dog bite attorneys at Fiore & Barber are available for free case evaluations for those who have been bit by a dog in California.